Mali: Motorbikes forbidden to counter terrorism

Malian authorities have forbidden motorbikes outside of major cities on the 3rd of June. According to RFI, this security measure has been implemented in the context of countering terrorism and making circulation within the country more difficult for armed groups. 

This drastic measure has taken effect immediately and is predicted to shake up the routines of Malian people in rural areas. 

Motorbikes of more than 125 cm3 are no longer authorised outside of the Bamako district and in major administrative centres of the regions. Local governors are allowed to take even more restrictive measures if considered necessary.

Imports and sales of motos and their accessories are suspended for at least one year. Motorbike dealers have 90 days to declare their stocks, while non-declared motorbikes will be seized by the government. 

“Djakarta” types of motorbikes are not banned because of their weaker engines. However, their use is also usually seen in cities. 

Terrorist groups such as the Al Qaeda-affiliated JNIM use motorbikes as one of their main modes of transportation, riding with large groups through rural areas of Mali. Terrorist groups particulalry use them to refuel on food and necessities. 

But as terrorists are not the only ones to use motorbikes, questions are being raised about the rest of the rural population that needs this mode of transportation. One local from Tomboctou told RFI that motorbikes are the cheapest option, and particularly necessary for people from villages who do not have access to public transport or cars. 

A resident of Koutiala further added that apprehension soon gave place to anger, explaining to RFI that people were shocked, asking themselves how knowledgeable and concerned the authorities were about rural Mali.

70% of Malians live in rural areas, with many people commuting from different villages and cities, such as teachers, health workers and NGO workers.

Moreover, authorities have also banned access to 39 sites, principally forests, considered as refuges for terrorist groups. Included are the forests of Wagadou at the Mauritanian border, but also Keniebaoule and Bossofala near Bamako.

RFI, Maghrebi.org